Effects of ZnO coating on the wettability and tensile properties of aluminum borate whisker-reinforced aluminum composite

A pure aluminum matrix composite reinforced by ZnO-coated aluminum borate whiskers was fabricated by squeeze casting. The effect of coating content on the whiskers/matrix wettability and tensile properties of the composite were investigated. The result shows the interfacial wettability increases with increasing coating content. The effects of coating content on the ultimate tensile strength, elongation to fracture and fracture mechanisms of the composites are also discussed.